Chateau de Saint Cosme 'Micro-Cosme' Sauvignon - Viognier 2024 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Though Château de Saint Cosme is best known for its Gigondas holdings, Micro-Cosme is drawn from select vineyards in the Southern Rhône Valley, where Mediterranean warmth meets varied limestone and alluvial soils. These parcels benefit from abundant sunshine tempered by the cooling influence of the Mistral wind, which reduces disease pressure and preserves aromatic clarity.

The soils—primarily clay-limestone with pockets of sandy alluvium—offer both drainage and water retention, allowing Sauvignon Blanc to maintain vibrancy while Viognier develops texture and aromatic depth. The interplay between these two varieties reflects the Rhône’s dual personality: freshness and structure alongside generosity and perfume. In warm vintages, careful vineyard management ensures balance, preventing excess ripeness while encouraging full flavor development.

Winemaking
True to the Saint Cosme philosophy, the winemaking approach emphasizes precision and purity. The Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are harvested at optimal maturity, often in the cool early hours to preserve aromatics. Fermentation typically takes place in stainless steel, maintaining freshness and varietal definition, with select portions occasionally seeing neutral oak to enhance texture without overt flavor impact.

Temperature-controlled fermentation protects delicate aromatic compounds, while brief lees contact contributes subtle roundness and integration. The blend is assembled to balance Sauvignon’s acidity and mineral drive with Viognier’s floral lift and supple mouthfeel. The result is a wine that feels composed and intentional—bright yet layered, expressive yet controlled.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Micro-Cosme presents a pale straw color with luminous clarity. The nose is vibrant and aromatic, offering notes of lime zest, grapefruit, and green apple, layered with white peach and apricot from the Viognier component. Floral tones—honeysuckle and orange blossom—add lift, while a subtle mineral thread grounds the bouquet.

On the palate, the wine is crisp and energetic at the entry, driven by Sauvignon Blanc’s refreshing acidity. Mid-palate, the Viognier contributes gentle texture and a touch of stone fruit richness, creating balance without heaviness. The finish is clean and focused, leaving lingering impressions of citrus peel, white flowers, and a faint saline edge.

The overall impression is one of brightness and harmony—a Rhône white that emphasizes freshness while retaining depth.

Food Pairings
Micro-Cosme is an exceptionally versatile companion at the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, goat cheese salads, and herb-roasted chicken, where its acidity and aromatics enhance freshness. The wine also complements Mediterranean fare such as grilled vegetables, olive tapenade, and dishes featuring lemon or fresh herbs.

Lightly spiced Asian cuisine or seafood ceviche can also highlight its citrus-driven profile. Serve well chilled, around 46–50°F, to preserve its vibrancy and aromatic lift.

Cellaring & Longevity
Designed primarily for early enjoyment, Micro-Cosme captures the vitality of the Southern Rhône in its youth. Over the short term, it may gain subtle textural softness and hints of honeyed nuance, but its strength lies in its freshness and aromatic clarity.

Best enjoyed within 3–5 years of vintage, it stands as a refreshing and thoughtfully crafted expression from a historic Rhône estate—bright, balanced, and effortlessly drinkable.